Seeing Estr appear like this, Jason’s brows slig


    Serene, initially startled, rose from her chair and greeted Estre with a smile that seemed to light up


    the room. “Hey, Estre.”-


    Noting the lunchbox in Estre’s hands, Serene’s grin widened as she said, “Came to deliver Jason’s


    lunch, huh?”


    Then, turning to Jason with an amodating smile, Serene said, “Jason, since Estre has brought


    lunch, let’s skip going out to eat. It’s not every day Estre visits the office. You should spend some


    time with her.”


    Serene’s understanding demeanor was almost as if she were Jason’s wife, not Estre. It seemed as


    though the opportunity to eat the lunch Estre brought was a gracious. concession from Serene


    herself.


    Estre, feigning indifference, retorted, “Serene, either let Jason go against his father and get a


    divorce, or throw the evidence of my face. Quit the


    Our affair with Jason in passive-aggressive act. It’s so disgusting.”


    If Serene had been more capable, Estre might have given her some credit. But as it stood, Estre


    couldn’t bring herself to respect such mediocrity.


    Hearing Estre’s disdain, Serene’s face was a portrait of awkwardness as she exined, “Estre, it’s


    not what you think between Jason and me. We’re just discussing work.”


    After her exnation, Serene’s eyes dimmed as she added, “I’ll leave you two to chat. I’ll step out.”


    As the door closed behind Serene, Estre approached the desk, setting down the lunchbox with an


    audible thud. She pulled out a chair opposite Jason and sat down as if nothing was out of the ordinary.


    “Kristin asked me to bring you lunch.”


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Jason mmed down some documents on the desk and asked with a chilly edg “Estre, can’t you


    think for yourself for once?


    Estre silently watched him, her gaze piercing. His demeanor towards Serene hpletely different.


    Indeed, when you weren’t liked, everything you did or said would be wrong. Even b him food, even


    being alive was like a mistake.


    After a long stare, Estre leaned back in the chair and said coolly, “When ites to situation, I don’t


    have a say. Your parents’ word isw to me, and I can’t defy them.”


    She was not only unable to defy Jason’s parents, but she was also terrified of her own. mother’s tears


    and guilt-trips, urging Estre to be obedient and good.


    15.00


    But then again, Landon had been decent to her


    When they got married, Landon set strict rules for Jason: he couldn’t ask for a divorce, he couldn’t


    betray her, and he had to do his best to make the marriage work. Otherwise, he would be kicked out of


    the Nelson family, and all the wealth and family business would belong to her..


    If they truly couldn’t get along, they were to try for three years before making any decisions. Now, only


    one year remained.


    Jason didn’t respond, so Estre got up, fetched the utensils, and mimicked Serene’s flirty voice,


    “Jason, you know what they say, ‘The body is an engine that runs on food.’ Have a little bite, won’t


    you?”


    When Jason looked up at her, Estre winked and pushed a piece of rib towards his mouth. Taken


    aback by Estre’s cute act, Jason momentarily froze before opening his mouth as ifpelled.


    But Estre mmed the lunchbox onto the table with a snap, exasperated, “Damn it, you really only


    fall for Serene’s tricks.”


    She then threw the fork down forcefully and snapped, “Eat it or don’t. I’m done pampering you.”


    After leaving Jason’s office, Estre made a point to tell his secretary not to bother with dinner


    arrangements, as food had already been sent from home.


    However, around nine that evening, Kristin’s call woke her with news that Jason was hospitalized for


    severe dehydration due to diarrhea.


    Estre’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly dressed and headed to the hospital. Upon arriving at the


    ward and seeing Kristin so exhausted, Estre sent her home first.


    Back in the room, Jason looked up at Estre and used, “So, Estre, you’ve got nerve. now,


    poisoning me?”


    Estre moved closer, adjusting his nket, “Come on, don’t be so dramatic. Mo couples spice things


    up with love potions, notxatives.”


    “You’re denying it?” Jason said, hurling his phone at her, showing surveince fo her entering a


    pharmacy. He then tossed a pharmacy receipt at her.


    Caught red-handed, Estre fell silent under his gaze.


    Expecting her to exin, Jason was taken aback when Estre suddenly said, “Don’t at me like that, I


    might lose control.”


    “Estre,” Jason’s face darkened, and he threw a pillow at her.


    Catching the iing pillow, Estre retorted calmly, “You’re out partying all the time. while I’m driven


    to the edge. A little medicinal payback


    RAMs fair.”


    1540 –


    At her words, Jason gripped her wrist, pulling her close, his voice a deep rumble, “Are you jealous,


    Estre?”


    Caught off guard by his question, Estre burst outughing, “Rest assured, I’d sooner eat dirt than be


    jealous of you.”


    Estre’s heartyughter prompted Jason to suddenly pull her back to him with force. Their foreheads


    collided, their noses brushed, and Estre gasped in pain. Before she could react, Jason’s warm lips


    unexpectedly imed hers.